One question from a newbie though, anybody know what was happening with the 4-hour pacemakers?.

Is it normal to have several running pacers for the same time running different paces? I'd guess the one I didn't catch must have come in a few minutes ahead of me and the second I passed was probably near-on 4 hours, dunno about the first one I passed.

I guess the reason for having more than 1 pacer is that if 1 has a problem there's still someone left.

How accurate they are is down to the skill of the pacer, it must be quite difficult to be spot on1 Could you run exactly to a time (without stopping for a while befroe the line ) ?

My friend who was pacing 4 was keeping track on his Garmin and was a minute up when I ran a bit with him at mile 23 - he finished in 03:59:07 which I was impressed by, being so accurate!

The guy in front of him did 03:57:10 which is still pretty close I would say.

If there was another behind I don't know who it was so can't check is time.

Lombster - as predicted, I missed #themerge. How was it? Any sign of the red mob coming down Preston Drove when you got to the park?

Really enjoying reading everyone's race reports and training analysis. I did dead on 600 training miles in the 16 weeks pre-race, far more than I've done before. At the time (some of you may remember) I was panicking that I was not as fast as the same training runs completed the previous year, but the wise words of this forum were 'trust in the mileage' - you were right. My fastest miles were the last 6 on race day.

And today...? No aches or pains anywhere. Damn it! Does that mean I could have gone faster? Will I have to run it again to find out?

Two explosions went off by the finish line of the Boston Marathon today, at around the 4:09:37 mark according to the footage. The bombs were in a hotel literally right next to the finish line where all the crowds were gathered. There are reports of another bomb in another nearby hotel.

There are reports of a large amount of injuries, some very serious. Unsuprising considering the force of the blast was knocking people off of thier feet. The medics who were expecting to deal with race injuries have now turned to helping those hurt.

There's no reason given yet for the explosions. So I don't know if this is a terrorist attack or not but whoever did it need to be found and dealt with.

Can't believe it. Yesterday was such an amazing positive day that would have been similar in Boston - achievements, warmth, pride and support for all ..and then such horror! I just can't understand it. My thoughts are with them

For me, marathon days epitomise everything that is good about humanity. Whether you're a runner who has dedicated months of your life to raise money for good causes, or you're doing it for your own personal achievement, or whether you're one of the people on the other side of the barriers who cheers for people you don't know and have never met because you want them to achieve their goal. There's something about a marathon day that just makes you feel good. It takes a particularly evil person to target something like that.

Would have been posting how much I enjoyed sunday etc etc but this evening's explosions in Boston have put me in a more sombre mood. People caught up in it are just like you and me and all the friends, relatives and unknown supporters there just like ours yesterday. Maybe as it was Patriot's Day it was a 'local' idiot and not a terrorist attack. Will be tough for those doing London this weekend.

My thoughts too are with the families of the deceased and the injured.

Was going to ask for a replacement medal as mine was damaged in manufacture. Seems of no importance just now.

Green fairy you should request a replacement medal. What was your time by the way?

Did someone on here say they didn't use gels for a marathon? What did u use to fuel u during the marathon and did it work? I have digestive issues that means I cannot use gels and even sports drinks don't sit that well with me but am keen to avoid hitting a wall. Have done up to 16 miles with just water but feel I should now look at something more.

Very very sad news from Boston marathon. I cannot comprehend, that an event, which epitomises all what is good about human nature (the elite runners running unbelievable times, Mr and Mrs Joe Public who will never achieve greatness but spend months training for personal goals, and then the tens and tens of thousands of people who give up their time to spectate or volunteer) would be targeted in such a way. Words fail me sometimes

Green Fairy - I think I saw you running out of Brighton towards Ovingdean as I was running back along the seafront, I gave you a big wave.

Tillstar - I can't take gels either as they make me sick. I use Clif bloks but only in moderation as even too many of those will make me feel sick. One of the best things I have learnt to do is fuel with 'proper food' so I use nuts and mini piece of flapjack for training runs and marathons. It has really made a difference as I feel it gives me a lot more 'proper' energy rather than the quick hit that you get from a gel. The best advice is to test what works for you as there is no right or wrong way to fuel, just find something that you can digest and agrees with you.

Well done everyone! You must all be super pleased with some brilliant PBs. So glad the sun came out!

I had to pull out at 14 miles, pain just got too much and I didn't want to ruin my chances completely of doing a PB this year.

How did you get on, SDR Gaz?

Sorry to see you had to pull out, but at least you can recover properly now.

I struggled this time. I came in at 4:21 but wasn't surprised.

I changed my goal to 3:40 from 3:30 this year and was bang on target until mile 14. My calf held up but just after half way I felt a twinge and lost confidence in it. From then on I suffered with horendous cramping, everywhere. Obviously my legs telling me that I hadn't managed to get enough training miles in this year. There's always next year.

A huge well done to everyone, especially those who PB'd.

I saw the young lad in a bad way, and now the news from Boston. Puts everything into perspective. Regardless of times, we're all here to run again.

Previously bookmarked threads are now visible in "Followed Threads". You can also manage notifications on these threads from the "Forum Settings" section of your profile settings page to prevent being sent an email when a reply is made.

Runner's World is a publication of Hearst Magazines UK which is the trading name of The National Magazine Company Ltd, 72 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9EP. Registered in England 112955. All rights reserved. Runner's World, Part of the Hearst UK wellbeing network